A pastor in Bryan, Ohio, has been criminally charged for violating fire safety codes by allowing individuals to sleep overnight in his church. Chris Avell, the pastor of Dad’s Place, was found guilty of breaching fire codes after a court hearing, with Judge Kent North describing the evidence as “almost overwhelming.” As a result, Avell was sentenced to 60 days in jail. However, the entire sentence will be suspended if he adheres to fire codes and ensures there are no violations over the next two years. The pastor was also ordered to pay a $200 fine, along with court costs, although the implementation of both the sentence and fine has been postponed for a month.
Despite the ruling, Avell’s legal team plans to appeal the decision. His attorney, Ryan Gardner, representing the First Liberty Institute, a non-profit law firm, expressed concern over the case, stating that no pastor in America, including Avell, should be found guilty for offering shelter to individuals in need. He argued that the church, as a safe and warm refuge, provided a more secure environment than leaving people out in freezing temperatures on the streets.
In response to the case, Bryan Mayor Carrie Schlade emphasized the city’s commitment to public safety and reiterated that all public safety regulations must be followed, regardless of the situation. She clarified that the case did not involve violations of religious freedom. The city is dedicated to addressing homelessness through collaboration with appropriate agencies but underscored that fire safety regulations must be respected to ensure the safety of all residents.
Furthermore, the mayor’s statement mentioned that while Dad’s Place can continue to operate as a church, it must cease its residential operations unless it files for appropriate building and code applications with state approval. The city remains focused on supporting faith-based organizations while maintaining public safety.
